Hopes ride on China's all-electric car

THE launch of China's first self-developed and mass-produced wholly-electric car yesterday may power the domestic green auto industry toward possible commercial viability.

The Roewe E50 is developed by Shanghai-based SAIC based on a platform designed for electric vehicles, which is the first of its kind in China.

Costing 234,900 yuan (US$37,585), the three-door hatchback is cheaper than most other electric cars which sell for more than 300,000 yuan.

A maximum government subsidy of 94,000 yuan will make the Roewe E50 even cheaper in pilot cities for green cars like Shanghai, and a possible free Shanghai license plate for new-energy cars can save drivers 65,000 yuan based on the city's latest plate auction prices.

The Roewe E50 can travel at a top speed of 130 kilometers per hour and a maximum 190 kilometers on a single full charge which takes six hours using a household 220-volt power. Fast charging to 80 percent only takes 30 minutes.

Recommended Features: [Special]'Made in China' Revisited From 'Made in China' to 'Created in China' A Journey to Cultural Renaissance The Vision of A Pillar Industry China: A Fast-growing Force in IPR IPR in China: Local Roots Bearing Global Fruits IPR in China: Causes for the Thriving Cause Cultural Industry: Commercializing Kung Fu Unlocking the Goldmine of China's Sports